Magic and Mortality (DISCONTINUED)

Chap. 3 - Saviour and Friend

KEY = Subtitle/POV change | Author's note |"Speech" | 'Quote/Thoughts' | Text | Emphasis

Belinda woke to the sound of birds outside the cottage. She stretched her arms out as she yawned, forgetting about the previous day's events in her subconscious state. It didn't take long for her to quickly pull a simple dress over her head and plait her auburn hair. It wasn't until she started making breakfast that she realised she'd be catering for three instead of the usual two. She added another spoonful of oats into the battered copper pot on the equally battered stove.

"Good morning, Belinda." She turned, startled at the sudden break in the silence that had rested in the room before. Aelfric leant on the door frame that led to the compact hallway. His blonde hair was messy, a contrast to the neat style he'd kept it in the previous day. Belinda quickly looked away before it seemed as if she was staring, a rude gesture among all creatures.

"Good morning," she muttered in response. Silence again flooded the room, bringing with it a chill of discomfort. The silence only broke once Marcus walked in through the front door. He sat at the table, Aelfric quick to follow. Belinda soon sat at the table as well. She brought the porridge and some fresh fruits with her. The three exchanged small talk while breakfast was served, however any real conversation only really started after the meal had finished.

"So, Aelfric," Marcus began. "I presume you'll be leaving to continue on your journey today?"

Aelfric felt conflicted. He felt as if he wanted to stay — for what reason he didn't know. He also knew that he may be pushing a bit if he stayed. He didn't know which he should do, until he remembered what his journey was previously about. "I might continue, however I may visit again on the way back. If that isn't intruding, of course," he added. Marcus quickly assured him that it wouldn't be.

It took very little time for Aelfric to be on his way again. Belinda and Marcus waved him off, then returned to their chores.

Time skip - a few days BELINDA'S POV

The dusty paths stretched out before me, a deep incline to my right as I made my way up the mountain path. I soaked in the sunlight, my eyes soaking in the picturesque scene all around me. I walked on in this tranquil manner, holding my skirts as I walked further up this path. I knew Mrs Wileing — the lady who did our washing, she was like an aunt to me — would scold me. She'd make me wash all my clothes, from my leather boots to my starched apron. But she wouldn't ever need to know. Father would laugh heartily at the idea of me being rebellious in front of the other townspeople, but was definitely the one who taught me to rebel. I continued up the path, the sun beating down harshly. I climbed higher, higher, higher into the sky. The breeze progressed into a wind, grasping at my hat. I took it off, undoing my shoes and stockings. I placed them down neatly, hoping I'd remember them. I ran, my hair flying loosely as I laughed.

It was as sudden as a burst of wind. I tripped, my bare feet betraying me as I screamed, tumbling down the side of the mountain onto a small ledge below the path. I lay there, the pain in my legs increasing as I screamed. The pain was overtaking me. It was the end... or so I thought. I was almost unconscious, darkness beckoning to me, when I felt him lift me. The smallest opening of my eyes alerted me to his peculiar ears — pointed, like the elves of legend. I opened my eyes again, his familiar gaze meeting mine. "You'll be okay, don't worry," I heard a familiar symphonic voice reassure me. It lulled me back into the embrace of darkness.